Boom Studios June 2024 Solicitations

Once & Future Book Two Deluxe Edition HC

Retail Price: $49.99
Writer: Kieron Gillen
Artist: Dan Mora
Cover Artist: Dan Mora

ADVANCE SOLICITED FOR AUGUST 2024

Bridgette, Duncan, and Rose, – along with the entirety of Britain – have been dragged into the Otherworld. Meanwhile, a rival king rises to confront Arthur, plunging the land into civil war… and both pursue our heroes as they travel across the land, desperately trying to find a way to return Britain to its senses.

When the Kings all converge on Excalibur, each determined to be the true ruler, chaos arises! What if no one has the strength to take the sword? Will there finally be peace after so much conflict, or will an unexpected figure claim the throne? Rituals, bombs, and battles ensue, and the final fate of your favorite characters and indeed, all of Britain is revealed.

The incomparable Kieron Gillen (The Wicked + The Divine) and Dan Mora (Detective Comics) deliver the long-awaited conclusion to their Eisner and Hugo Award-nominated mystical modern take on Arthurian legend.

Collects Once & Future #19-30.

Once & Future Book Two Deluxe Edition HC LE w/ Slipcase
Retail Price: $79.99

Firefly: The Fall Guys HC (Book 14)

ADVANCE SOLICITED FOR AUGUST 2024

Retail Price: $24.99
Writer: Sam Humphries
Artist: Jordi Pérez
Colorist: Francesco Segala
Cover Artist: Ejikure

The crew is broke and out of luck, and will have to deal with some less-than-trustworthy associates if the Serenity is going to keep flying.

What seems like an easy job in town for half the crew turns sideways with feds, uneasy locals, and a high profile politician in the mix. Not to mention, with an assassination attempt pushing the feds to extreme measures, the Serenity crew is in dire straits! Burdened by an unbelievably high bounty, Kaylee and the crew do their best to hide… but the feds are always one step ahead…

Superstar Marvel and DC writer Sam Humphries (Star-Lord: The Saga of Peter Quill, Harley Quinn) teams up with fan-favorite artist Jordi Pérez (How I Became a Shoplifter) to bring Firefly fans a new limited series filled with assassins and organized crime!

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Recharged Vol. 5 SC (Book 19)

Retail Price: $18.99
Writer: Melissa Flores
Artist: Simona Di Gianfelice, Adam Gorham, and Marco Renna
Colorist: Raúl Angulo and Joana Lafuente
Cover Artist: Taurin Clarke

Tommy’s friends are transformed into something else entirely… something evil.
As Dark Specter’s power grows, former friends will battle for the fate of the multiverse, while Mistress Vile grapples with what she’s released. And in a race to secure a Master Arch, the last Ranger anyone expected arrives… but the lines between hero and villain blur even further, with the ensuing battle bringing a beloved character’s journey to an end…

Fan-favorite Power Rangers creators, including series writer Melissa Flores (Spider-Gwen: Smash) and artist Simona Di Gianfelice (Firefly: Return to the Earth That Was) along with artists Marco Renna (Rogue Sun) and Adam Gorham (The Witcher: The Lesser Evil) continue the Power Rangers’ DARKEST HOUR!
Collects Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #115-118.

Slow Burn SC

Retail Price: $19.99
Writer: Ollie Masters
Artist: Pierluigi Minotti
Colorist: Alessandro Santoro
Cover Artist: Matt Taylor

Fleeing a botched robbery in New York City, a junkie, her dying partner, and a dementia-ridden old man pull into a coal mining ghost town in central Pennsylvania.
Obscured by the caustic mists spewed forth by the coal-seam fire from the 1960s–still burning–Trier is the perfect place to lay low, score a fix, and take a hostage… or is it?
As the caustic origins of a town of fire are revealed, along with the guilt, fear, and penance tied to the past, and those who stayed in Trier, they will discover a horrific truth while on the run from death.
Acclaimed crime writer Ollie Masters (Snow Blind, The Kitchen) and artist Pierluigi Minotti (Lost Falls) transport readers into a bleak, violent world, perfect for fans of Gideon Falls and Stray Bullets.

Collects Slow Burn #1-5.

Once Upon a Time at the End of the World Vol. 3 SC

Retail Price: $17.99
Writer: Jason Aaron
Artist: Nick Dragotta, Alexandre Tefenkgi, Leila Del Duca
Colorist: Rico Renzi
Cover Artist: Ariel Olivetti

Braving the wasteland apart feels unthinkable, yet here Maceo and Mezzy are, isolated on a world breathing its last breaths. Join each on their separate journeys through the darkest, apocalyptic pits of depression–two wayward sides of a coin.

Old age at the end of the world is as stark and brutal as it sounds for Mezzy and Maceo, as two people that were once so important to each other are chasms apart.
But when a group of ravagers steal technology from one of Maceo’s partners with the intent to hasten the end of earth itself… two former lovers will find themselves stitched together by fate. If they make it out alive… if everyone makes it out alive, will Mezzy and Maceo find love again? Perhaps peace lies elsewhere…

Collects Once Upon a Time at the End of the World #11-15.

Dune: House Atreides Vol. 1 SC

Retail Price: $19.99
Writer: Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson
Artist: Dev Pramanik
Colorist: Alex Guimarães
Cover Artist: Jae Lee & June Chung

The New York Times best-selling Dune: House Atreides comes to soft cover for the first time, as adapted & scripted by the novel’s co-writers Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson and illustrated by artist Dev Pramanik (Blade Runner 2039), from the prequel novel based on Dune creator Frank Herbert’s notes and original vision.

In the far future on the desert planet Arrakis,the Imperial Planetologist Pardot Kynes seeks its secrets. Meanwhile, a violent coup is planned by the son of Emperor Elrood, an eight-year-old Duncan Idaho seeks to escape his cruel masters, and a young man named Leto Atreides begins a fateful journey. These unlikely souls will come together as renegades and soon discover that fate has decreed they will change the very shape of history.

Collects Dune: House Atreides #1-4.

Magic Book Two SC

Retail Price: $24.99
Writer: Jed MacKay
Artist: Ig Guara, Jacques Salomon, Mariano Taibo, Kath Lobo, and Breno Tamura
Colorist: Arianna Consonni, Protobunker’s Fernando Sifuentes, Valerio Alloro, Francesca Vivaldi, Lucia Giammarino, Aladdin Collar, Natalia Nesterenko, and Gloria Martinelli
Cover Artist: Miguel Mercado

Based on the global sensation Magic: The Gathering card game, this softcover edition is the second of three volumes collecting the entirety of BOOM! Studios MAGIC comics–the longest continuous run of Magic comics stories ever, from the bestselling acclaimed comics writer Jed MacKay (Moon Knight, Avengers), superstar artist Ig Guara (Silk), and more!

As the adventure continues, the Planeswalker heroes Kaya, Vraska, and Ral Zarek return home to Ravnica… and are immediately taken captive! Now a new trio of Planeswalkers must find their way past the barrier preventing planeswalking in or out of Ravnica to save the others: the combustible Chandra Nalaar, monster tracker Garruk Wildspeaker, and athlete Niko Aris, whose explorations across the planes are just beginning.

Their journey will take them from Dominaria, to Zendikar, Eldraine, Innistrad, and New Capenna before they at last find a way into Ravnica. Once there, they’ll have to liberate the plane from the megalomaniacal metal mage, Tezzeret, who seeks to bend powerful sites of magic across the Multiverse, and the powers of a Planeswalker making her first appearance in MAGIC comics–Isona Maive–to his goal: the power to cast the Elderspell and make himself a god.

Collects Magic #11-20.

Rocko’s Modern Life…And Afterlife SC

Retail Price: $18.99
Writer: Ryan Ferrier, Anthony Burch, David DeGrand, KC Greene, Tony Millionaire, Marie Enger, Pranas T. Naujokaitis, Lucie Ebrey
Artist: Ian McGinty, Mattia Di Meo, David DeGrand, KC Greene Tony Millionaire, Marie Enger, Pranas T. Naujokaitis, Lucie Ebrey
Colorist: Fred C. Stresing, Alex Grushky
Cover Artist: N/A

Modern life has never been easy for Rocko, Filburt, and Heffer. But it gets even harder when Rocko’s dog Spunky becomes an overnight internet sensation. Desperate times call for desperate measures and Rocko will do whatever it takes to win back his best bud’s affection, even if it means breaking the law or facing childhood bullies at his high school reunion.

In Rocko’s Modern Afterlife, in O-town’s dystopian future, everyone’s cell phone is glued to their hands, Heffer makes a living streaming video games online, and the latest app lets you avoid all contact with everyone else without even looking up from your gadget!

But even in the midst of this techno-utopia, there’s something not quite right with Rocko’s fellow citizens. While Rocko takes two weeks to chill and unplug from technology, the rest of the town seems to be going mad. When danger comes knocking at his door, the newly zen wallaby will have to choose whether to stay barricaded within his home or venture forth into a wasteland of mindless citizens.
Don’t miss out on the collected adventures of Rocko, Spunky, Heffer, and Filburt as writer Ryan Ferrier (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), artist Ian McGinty (Adventure Time, Welcome to Showside), Anthony Burch (Borderlands 2) and artist Mattia Di Meo (Regular Show) bring the Rocko’s Modern Life family back to life!

Collects Rocko’s Modern Life #1-8 and Rocko’s Modern Afterlife #1-4.

Profane #1

Retail Price: $4.99
Writer: Peter Milligan
Artist: Raül Fernandez
Colorist: Giada Marchisio
Cover Artist:
A: Main Cover: Javier Rodriguez
B: Variant Cover: Mike Deodato with colors by Jão Canola
C: Incentive Cover (1:10): Javier Rodriguez
D: Incentive Cover (1:25): Marguerite Sauvage
E: Unlockable Cover (1 copy): Mike Deodato with colors by Jão Canola

Peter Milligan & Raül Fernandez’s noir meta-thriller debut at BOOM! Studios!

Solving murders in Los Angeles is the daily bread of private detective Will Profane, but something is strange about his latest case.

When every clue points toward a famous detective novelist at the center of this mystery, Will’s world will transform into something truly unreal.

Discover a new mind-bending thriller from legendary writer Peter Milligan (Hellblazer, X-Statix, Shade, The Changing Man) and veteran artist Raül Fernandez (Detective Comics, Justice League Dark) about the precariously thin line between reality and fiction—perfect for fans of BANG! and Newburn.

Lawful #1

Retail Price: $4.99
Writer: Greg Pak
Artist: Diego Galindo
Colorist: Irma Kniivila
Cover Artist:
A: Main Cover: Qistina Khalidah
B: Variant Cover: Miguel Mercado
C: Incentive Cover (1:10): Qistina Khalidah
D: Incentive Cover (1:25): Erica Henderson
E: Unlockable Cover (1 copy): Miguel Mercado

A brand new urban fantasy saga by Greg Pak for fans of Wynd and Monstress!

Magical meets modern in a walled city with strangely familiar architecture, where two small children with a sense of adventure get a grim reminder of reality….

Because every mistake one makes in this world will cause them to transform into a monster, bit by bit, and in the eyes of society, there’s no distinction between the rules and what’s right!

Imperfection breeds monstrous consequences in this urban fantasy adventure with deep social commentary from renowned and award-winning writer Greg Pak (Mech Cadets, Darth Vader, Planet Hulk) and acclaimed artist Diego Galindo (Stranger Things: The Voyage).

BRZRKR: A Faceful of Bullets #1

Retail Price: $9.99
Creator: Keanu Reeves
Writer: Jason Aaron
Artist: Francesco Manna
Cover Artist:
A: Main Cover: Francesco Manna
B: Variant Cover: Matteo Scalera
C: Foil Variant Cover: Francesco Manna
D: Foil Variant Cover: Matteo Scalera
E: Incentive Cover (1:10): Matteo Scalera
F: Incentive Cover (1:25): RM Guéra
G: Incentive Cover (1:50): Mahmud Asrar
H: Incentive Cover (1:100): Mahmud Asrar
I: Unlockable Cover (1 copy): Francesco Manna

When B. finds himself in the middle of a greedy land baron and a runaway daughter, will he play the role of guardian angel, or angel of death?

And when she prays for the vengeance she so obsessively clings to, the bloodbath may be more than she bargained for…

Legendary comics writer Jason Aaron (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Batman Off-World) enters the brutal world of BRZRKR along with acclaimed artist Francesco Manna (Predator: The Last Hunt, Carnage).

Briar #6

Retail Price: $3.99
Writer: Christopher Cantwell
Artist: Alex Lins
Colorist: Luis NCT with Mar Silvestre
Cover Artist:
A: Main Cover: Alex Lins
B: Incentive Cover (1:10): Dani Pendergast
C: Incentive Cover (1:20): Ariel Olivetti
D: FOC Reveal Variant Cover: TBA
E: Unlockable Cover (1 copy): Alex Lins

The dark fantasy smash hit RETURNS!

In the wake of tragic devastation, Briar, Spider, and company wrestle with guilt as cold and bleak as the snow-coated mountains they make their way through.

Plagued by potential madness, fear of Briar’s origins and connections to their enemy, and magic gone awry, the party will find themselves in even more danger soon enough…

Christopher Cantwell (Thanos, Star Trek: Defiant) is joined by Eisner Award-nominated artist Alex Lins (Hellcat, Guardians of the Galaxy) as the dark fantasy hit series returns!

Something is Killing the Children #38

Retail Price: $3.99
Writer: James Tynion IV
Artist: Werther Dell’Edera
Colorist: Miquel Muerto
Cover Artist:
A: Main Cover: Werther Dell’Edera
B: Variant Cover: Jenny Frison
C: 5 Year Foil Stamp Variant Cover: Werther Dell’Edera
D: Incentive Cover (1:25): Jenny Frison
E: Incentive Cover (1:50): Simon Gane
F: FOC Reveal Variant Cover: TBA
G: Unlockable Cover (1 copy): Werther Dell’Edera

During the third vicious escapade into Erica’s secret past, she finds herself squaring off with a monster worse than nightmares…

However, as she struggles to live another day after yet another battle, it becomes clear that an even more deadly monster lies at the heart of it all, and it will take all the new skills she’s acquired to track it down…

House of Slaughter #24

Retail Price: $3.99
Writer: Tate Brombal
Artist: Antonio Fuso
Colorist: Miquel Muerto
Cover Artist:
A: Main Cover: Nimit Malavia
B: Variant Cover: Werther Dell’Edera
C: Blackout Spot UV Variant Cover: Antonio Fuso
D: Incentive Cover (1:10): Nimit Malavia
E: Incentive Cover (1:15): Joëlle Jones
F: Incentive Cover (1:25): Joëlle Jones
G: Unlockable Cover (1 copy): Werther Dell’Edera

In the penultimate issue of THE BUTCHER’S WAR, Jace wants blood, but René proves to be a difficult opponent, even while seemingly at a disadvantage–an unexpected strength in disguise!
Meanwhile it’s Maven vs. Jolie, desperate to protect the children from the hunter and her white masks…

Grim #18

Retail Price: $3.99
Writer: Stephanie Phillips
Artist: Flaviano
Colorist: Rico Renzi
Cover Artist:
A: Main Cover: Flaviano
B: Variant Cover: Skylar Patridge
C: Incentive Cover (1:10): Skylar Patridge
D: Incentive Cover (1:20): Simon Gane

Hell and Earth collide as the denizens of each realm coexist in complete chaos! The deal between Annabel and Adira has had cataclysmic consequences–ones that even with an army, Jess struggles to control.

However, in order to set things right, is Jess ready to put herself in a role she never expected? Is she even willing to?

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #121

Retail Price: $4.99
Writer: Melissa Flores
Artist: Hendry Prasetya
Colorist: Matt Herms
Cover Artist:
A: Main Cover: Taurin Clarke
B: Dark Grid Variant Cover: Björn Barends
C: Helmet Variant Cover: Goñi Montes
D: Incentive Cover (1:10): Björn Barends
E: Incentive Cover (1:15): Taurin Clarke
F: Incentive Cover (1:25): Mona Finden
G: Unlockable Cover (1 copy): Goñi Montes

Billy devises a plan to delay Dark Specter, desperate to stop the growing infection from spreading, but the consequences of his risky idea are impossible to predict.

In order to shore up his resolve for what’s to come, Billy seeks strength among friends new and old, but will it be enough to defeat Dark Specter once and for all?

In this special guest artist issue, fans will be delighted to see the return of Hendry Prasetya and Matt Herms, the original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers art team!

Ranger Academy #8

Retail Price: $3.99
Writer: Maria Ingrande Mora
Artist: Jo Mi-Gyeong
Colorist: Joana Lafuente
Cover Artist:
A: Main Cover: Miguel Mercado
B: Black Blank Sketch Variant Cover: N/A
C: Incentive Cover (1:10): Jo Mi-Gyeong
D: Incentive Cover (1:25): Crystal Kung

Dark Specter’s corruption has arrived at Ranger Academy, and Sage will have to fully morph into a Ranger for the first time if she hopes to defend her friends.

But the nature of Sage’s transformation and its connections to one of the campus’ shadowy past will have serious consequences… but not for the one readers might expect.

Amory Wars, The: No World for Tomorrow #2

Retail Price: $4.99
Writer: Claudio Sanchez, Chondra Echert
Artist: Guillaume Martinez
Colorist: Valentina Bianconi
Cover Artist:
A: Main Cover: Gianluca Gugliotta
B: Variant Cover: Jonathan Wayshak
C: Incentive Cover (1:10): Jonathan Wayshak
D: Incentive Cover (1:20): Dan Mora

In the continuation of the epic long-awaited return of Amory Wars, Claudio and Chase find themselves surrounded by the Red Army and a returning villain, without a prayer.

While a means of escape is only a chaotic series of events away, there’s no guarantee they won’t be followed by the enemy, or get some unexpected company!

Crocodile Black #2

Retail Price: $4.99
Writer: Phillip Kennedy Johnson
Artist: SOM
Colorist: Patricio Delpeche
Cover Artist:
A: Main Cover: Andrea Sorrentino
B: Incentive Cover (1:10): Andrea Sorrentino
C: Incentive Cover (1:25): Anand RK
D: Unlockable Cover (1 copy): Andrea Sorrentino

Danny’s ego and fascination with Leo climb sky-high as he takes a morbid interest in Leo’s life, possessions, and living space–all while in the presence of Leo’s still-rotting corpse.

But literally walking in Leo’s shoes will inevitably lead to trouble, especially as a man he meets can’t help but take a liking to Danny’s violent tendencies…

Animal Pound #4

Retail Price: $4.99
Writer: Tom King
Artist: Peter Gross
Colorist: Tamra Bonvillain
Cover Artist:
A: Main Cover: Peter Gross
B: Variant Cover: Yuko Shimizu
C: Incentive Cover (1:25): Tonci Zonjic
D: FOC Reveal Variant Cover: TBA
E: Unlockable Cover (1 copy): Matias Bergara

Piggy the dog reigns in a dictatorial role, instating a system of brutality and death, a meatgrinder of hierarchy that there is no escape from.

When two groups of animals work together to try and put a stop to this, will their efforts be enough to prevent Piggy’s third term?

Blow Away #3

Retail Price: $4.99
Writer: Zac Thompson
Artist: Nicola Izzo
Colorist: Francesco Segala
Cover Artist:
A: Main Cover: Annie Wu
B: Variant Cover: Tyler Boss
C: Incentive Cover (1:10): Annie Wu
D: Incentive Cover (1:20): Suspiria Vilchez

Is Brynne willing to risk her life for the truth?

As a deadly storm precedes her treacherous climb up Mount Odin alone, her paranoia turns parasocial in the way she views her suspects, and her impatience reaches a boiling point.

As she makes her way to the scene of the crime, will she find the answers she seeks, or will the mountain get the best of her?

Rare Flavours #6

Retail Price: $4.99
Writer: Ram V
Artist: Filipe Andrade
Cover Artist:
A: Main Cover: Filipe Andrade
B: Variant Cover: Vincenzo Riccardi
C: Incentive Cover (1:15): Paul Pope
D: Unlockable Variant: Filipe Andrade

The Modern Classic Concludes with One Final Course!

Against all odds, Rubin and Mo’s documentary seems like it will finally be finished… but with Rubin nowhere to be found, just what exactly is he intending?

Ram V and Filipe Andrade’s delectable story of celebrity, demons, and that indelible magic of cooking reaches its climactic final issue, with an ending that cements the book as another must-read from the Eisner, Harvey, and Ringo-Award nominated team.

Uncanny Valley #3

Retail Price: $4.99
Writer: Tony Fleecs
Artist: Dave Wachter
Colorist:
Cover Artist:
A: Main Cover: Dave Wachter
B: Variant Cover: Ryan Browne
C: Incentive Cover (1:10): Dave Wachter
D: Incentive Cover (1:25): Martín Morazzo

Oliver finds himself someplace outside our world, a two-dimensional place where his mom is desperate to get him back from, but it seems impossible.

As Oliver runs into very real danger in the cartoon realm, someone from his family’s past and other allies may be just the help he needs…

Man’s Best #4

Retail Price: $4.99
Writer: Pornsak Pichetshote
Artist: Jesse Lonergan
Cover Artist:
A: Main Cover: Jesse Lonergan
B: Variant Cover: Crystal Kung
C: Incentive Cover (1:25): R1C0
D: FOC Reveal Variant Cover: TBA
E: Unlockable Cover (1 copy): Jesse Lonergan

In the penultimate issue of the unforgettable space adventure, The Musketeers find themselves in another new biome–a vast metropolis teeming with humanoid creatures, but they wonder if their search will be in vain.

But a hopeful discovery isn’t far off, along with someone unexpected from their crew!

Displaced, The #5

Retail Price: $4.99
Writer: Ed Brisson
Artist: Luca Casalanguida
Colorist: Dee Cunniffe
Cover Artist:
A: Main Cover: Luca Casalanguida
B: Variant Cover: Declan Shalvey
C: Incentive Cover (1:10): Luca Casalanguida
D: Incentive Cover (1:20): DANI

The FINAL ISSUE of the sci-fi mystery for fans of The Leftovers!

Desperation leads to death as those that remain turn to more and more reckless activities to survive, and their numbers dwindle to almost none…

Will the final forgotten find some way to escape their fate, or will the inevitable sickness and disappearance overtake them?

Ghostlore #11

Retail Price: $4.99
Writer: Cullen Bunn
Artist: Leomacs
Colorist:
Cover Artist:
A: Main Cover: Reiko Murakami
B: Variant Cover: Riccardo La Bella
C: Incentive Cover (1:10): Riccardo La Bella

Lucas and Harmony encounter another story, another group of ghosts who need help, and a realization that will change their relationship moving forward.

And in another spectral story, shocking details about Shane’s nature materialize…

Dune: House Corrino #4

Retail Price: $5.99
Writer: Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson
Artist: Simone Ragazzoni
Colorist: Dan Jackson
Cover Artist:
A: Main Cover: Raymond Swanland
B: Variant Cover: Veronica Fish
C: Incentive Cover (1:10): Raymond Swanland
D: Incentive Cover (1:20): A.L. Kaplan
E: FOC Reveal Variant Cover: TBA
F: Unlockable Cover (1 copy): TBA

Treachery and tribulations, experimental drugs, violent coups, and the Emperor’s personal elite army all wreak havoc throughout the Imperium.

Meanwhile, the Baron’s Mentat Piter slyly plays for power, and Jessica’s fateful pregnancy progresses…

Jim Henson’s Labyrinth Archive Edition #3

Retail Price: $4.99
Writer: Sid Jacobson
Artist: John Buscema & Romeo Tanghal
Colorist: Originally colored by Bob Sharen; Restoration and Color by Colortek Inc. – Kyle Hallemeier
Cover Artist:
A: Main Cover: Tom Palmer
B: Variant Cover: Dan Panosian

The FINAL ISSUE of the classic Labyrinth adaptation!

Will Sarah succumb to the power of the Goblin King and his enchanting promises, or will she realize her true power and see his cruelty for what it is and rescue Toby?

Most of all, as she reflects on how she’s grown along the way, she’ll never forget the friends she’s made, and how she’ll always need them!

I Heart Skull-Crusher! #4

Retail Price: $4.99
Writer: Josie Campbell
Artist: Alessio Zonno
Colorist: Angel De Santiago
Cover Artist:
A: Main Cover: Alessio Zonno
B: Variant Cover: Michael Dialynas
C: Incentive Cover (1:10): Alessio Zonno

The penultimate issue heats up in tandem with the continuing tournament! The finest teams of the Wasteland battle it out, but our heroes’ unconventional team draws the distaste of the ruling class.

In a lead up to the finals featuring will-they-won’t-they romantic tension, no one will be prepared for the upcoming battle and the identity of the secret guest of honor…